The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) of Kerala has appointed former Chief Secretary S.M. Vijayanand as a special rapporteur to oversee waste management issues in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. This decision, made on August 11, 2026, comes in response to growing crisis regarding solid waste disposal in the capital city.
Following a suo motu cognizance taken by the commission in July, the appointment aims to address the alarming condition of local water bodies and canals,which have been severely polluted with waste,including plastics. Pazhavangadi and Thekkanamkara canals have become notorious for illegal dumping,prompting the SHRC to take action.
During a recent hearing,SHRC chairperson Alexander Thomas emphasized the necessity of expert involvement to assess the situation accurately and devise effective solutions. Vijayanand,who also chairs the Centre for Management Development (CMD), will lead a two-member team of specialists in this endeavor. They will work pro bono to provide guidance on waste management and monitor illegal dumping activities.
Joining Vijayanand are R. Ajayakumar, a former chief scientist at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies and ex-executive director of Suchitwa Mission,and N. Jagajeevan,a waste management consultant associated with same mission . Their collective expertise is expected to bolster SHRC's efforts in tackling waste crisis.
The commission has mandated the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to supply comprehensive data concerning its current waste management programs. This includes information on human resources,infrastructure,financial resources,and proposed plans for solid waste management. The Health Officer of the Corporation will act as liaison to facilitate communication with the special rapporteur .
In a bid to enhance public engagement,the SHRC has invited residents and local associations to submit written feedback regarding waste disposal issues and potential solutions. This initiative aims to incorporate community insights into waste management strategy.
Vijayanand is expected to provide interim reports periodically, culminating in a final assessment due by December 31, 2026. The SHRC's proactive stance reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need to address environmental challenges in urban areas,particularly as waste management continues to be a pressing issue in many Indian cities.
As the situation develops,the commission's actions will be closely monitored,with the hope that expert guidance will lead to significant improvements in the management of solid waste in Thiruvananthapuram.
